When we hear the word breast cancer, many of us feel a little scared. Especially if your mother, sister, or niece has had this disease, it's very normal to have the fear of "Oh, will I get it too?". So there are special genetic tests that can find out if there is a hereditary risk of cancer like this. That's what we're talking about today. But is this something everyone needs? Let's understand it clearly and simply.
Is all breast cancer really hereditary?
First, let's dispel this misconception. Most breast cancers are not hereditary. In fact, the vast majority of breast cancers diagnosed are caused by changes (mutations) in the genes of our body's cells as we age. Simply put, when our body's cells divide, sometimes small mistakes happen. These mistakes can increase as we age. That's what causes most cancers.
However, for a very small percentage, between 5 and 10 out of 100 women who develop breast cancer , the cause of this cancer is a faulty gene that is inherited. In other words, the risk of this cancer in their family is passed down from generation to generation.
The important thing is that just because no one in your family has had breast cancer doesn't mean you won't get it. And just because someone in your family has had it doesn't mean you will definitely get it too.
What are these genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2?
When we talk about hereditary breast cancer, two names we often hear are BRCA1 (Braca One) and BRCA2 (Braca Two) . These are actually normal genes in our bodies. Their main function is to repair cells when they are damaged and control the formation of cancer cells. It's like the body's own body's defenses.
But sometimes there can be a defect, or mutation, in these BRCA genes. If such a defective gene is inherited from generation to generation, that protector does not work properly. That is when the risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer increases greatly.
Think about it,
- On average, a woman's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is about 13%.
- But for someone with a BRCA1 gene mutation, this risk increases to between 55% and 85% .
- The risk of developing ovarian cancer also increases significantly.
- Another important thing is that these BRCA gene- related cancers can occur at a younger age than usual.
People like world-famous actress Angelina Jolie, after being diagnosed with this BRCA gene mutation, had surgery to remove their breasts and ovaries before cancer developed because of that high risk.
So who needs to think about this test?
This is the most important question. The answer is, not everyone needs to get tested. If you don't have a family history of cancer, the chances of you having this BRCA gene mutation are very low.
However, if you have any of the following in your family history , it is worth talking to your doctor about this test.
| Family history that increases risk | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Having a first-degree relative with breast cancer | If your mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer, especially before the age of 50 . |
| Several people on the same side of the family have had breast cancer | For example, if several people on your mother's side, such as your grandmother, mother, and aunt, have had cancer. |
| Having a family member with ovarian cancer | Ovarian cancer is a little rarer than breast cancer, so having a family history of the disease is a strong risk factor. |
| A male family member has breast cancer | This is also very rare. Therefore, if a male in the family has had breast cancer, that is also considered a very strong risk factor. |
What should you do before taking the test?
If you have any of the risk factors mentioned above, don't panic. The first and most important thing you should do is to see your family doctor or gynecologist and discuss this in detail.
Never go directly to a lab and get a genetic test like this done, because the results of this test can affect your life as well as the rest of your family.
Your doctor will review your family history and decide whether you need this test. If necessary, he or she may refer you for genetic counseling . There, a specialist will explain everything you need to know about the test, what the results mean, and what steps you should take based on the results.
Other tests that measure the risk of cancer coming back
In addition to BRCA testing, there are other genetic tests that can help someone who has already had breast cancer (stage 1 or 2) and is undergoing treatment to determine the risk of the cancer coming back and how much chemotherapy will be needed. Some of these include:
- Oncotype DX: A widely used test that analyzes 21 genes to provide a score for the risk of cancer recurrence.
- Mammostrat: Analyzes 5 genes and categorizes risk as low, medium, or high.
- MammaPrint: Analyzes 70 genes and classifies them as low or high risk.
The decisions about these tests are made by the oncologist who is treating you. So if you have any questions about this, you can ask him or her.
Take-Home Message
- Most breast cancers are not hereditary. They can be caused by changes in our genes as we age.
- BRCA genetic testing is not something everyone should do. It is only recommended for those with a strong family history of cancer.
- If a close relative, such as your mother or sister, has had breast cancer before the age of 50, or if you have a family history of ovarian cancer or male breast cancer, it is very important to seek medical advice.
- Never decide to undergo genetic testing on your own. Always discuss it with your doctor first.
- Remember that the results of a genetic test are only a guide to understanding your risk. It is not a 100% accurate prediction.
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